Leisande is Yoland's grandmother. Her husband, formerly an elder in the Presbyterian Church, was converted two years ago, at which time she began attending the services of Christ's church in Epau along with him.

As mentioned above, Aaron and I travled to Epau Village the weekend of Yoland's baptism with the desire to study with her boyfriend, Willie. Vanuatu's culture is wonderful in that when you study the Bible outside, you draw a crowd. While studying with Willie, we had anywhere from 5 to 30 people listening in. I taught a lesson to those who had gathered that Sunday morning on the church, focusing on The Importance of the Church and The Characteristics of That Church. Jesus promised to build a church, His church, in Matthew 16:18; a promise which was fulfilled when Peter used the keys of the kingdom in Acts 2 (Jews) and 10 (Gentiles). Christ's church is important because it is the only one He built, and it is the only one He offers salvation to (Ephesians 5:23). Having established the importance of the church of Christ, we must consider the characteristics of that church, to ensure we are indeed a part of that one. Throughout the New Testament we read of that church, and note its distinct organization, worship and entrance standards. It was after this study that Leisande reached over to Eddie Karris and said, "Mi no save fastaem, be nao mi save mi lus" (that is, I did not know until today that I was lost). You see, the Bible is very clear. One who has yet to enter the body (i.e. the church, Ephesians 1:22-23) does not possess the salvation offered by the head (i.e. Jesus). Again, that is why the church is so important. Though someone had previously convinced Leisande that she had salvation, she realized that morning that she had not yet entered that body according to the process laid down in the New Testament. After hearing her statement, Eddie inquired, "so what do you want to do about it?" to which she responded, "I want to be baptized."

The most important decision a person can make is to become a part of the body/church of Christ, and thus be found "in Christ." The New Testament speaks much about the blessings available in Christ (e.g. Eph 1:3; Rom 8:1; 2 Tim 2:10, etc), but only twice mentions how to get "into Christ." Romans 6:3 says that a man is "baptized into Christ" and Galatians 3:27 says the same thing.

We rejoice along with the angels in heaven because of Leisande's good decision to come into contact with the blood of Jesus by obeying His gospel.

EB